Passengers find ATVM at railway station ‘too technical’ to use

Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) might have been installed at Chandigarh railway station with an aim of providing passengers a respite from long queues, however, as of now there haven’t been many takers for the machine. The passengers are finding the machines too technical to operate and hence prefer to buy their tickets from the ticket counters. Three ATVMs had been installed at the station three days ago.

The passengers are finding the machines too technical to operate and hence prefer to buy their tickets from the ticket counters. (HT Photo)

Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) might have been installed at Chandigarh railway station with an aim of providing passengers a respite from long queues, however, as of now there haven’t been many takers for the machine. The passengers are finding the machines too technical to operate and hence prefer to buy their tickets from the ticket counters. Three ATVMs had been installed at the station three days ago.

“It would be better if the railway authorities provide us with a helper or a guide, who can educate us on how to use the machine effectively,” said a commuter. However, Northern Railways’ senior divisional commercial manager Praveen Gaur said it would not be feasible to arrange a technician to guide the commuters all the time.

“We cannot provide round the clock technical guides, however we are providing technical assistance during peak hours,” Gaur said. He said that while there were a few technical problems with the ATVMs, most of them were happening at the Ambala railway station and not Chandigarh.

How to operate an Automatic Ticket Vending Machine

1.One can pay for the tickets by inserting coins, paper currency or smart card in the ATVM.

2. After choosing the mode of payment, the user has to select his/her destination using the touch screen. After confirming the details from the user, the ticket will be printed.

3. Smart cards are available at the ticket counter. Once the ticket is issued, the charge is debited from the smart card.

4. One can get tickets for the platform apart from unreserved, mail, express and even monthly season tickets through the ATVM.

5. The machines also display general information regarding the departure and arrival of the various trains. The information is provided both in English and Hindi.